Microsoft Offers More Ways to Connect With the Launch of Video Messages

Microsoft LifeCam users get bonus with access through new Windows Vista gadget

LONDON – 9 September 2008 ¾ Today, Microsoft Corp. unveils Video Messages, a groundbreaking service that combines the flexibility of e-mail and voice mail with the personal expression of a video call; it is the video version of voice mail. Video Messages allows consumers to record and send personalized videos that their friends and family can access anytime, anywhere they are online* ¾ the perfect solution when they are not available for a live video chat.

Microsoft is offering this new service through a LifeCam video messages gadget and a Web site so everyone can get in on the fun. Video Messages is the perfect way to send a personalized “happy birthday” message to a friend or have the kids leave a quick “hello” message to grandma across the country when she is not home.

“Video Messages offers a groundbreaking way to communicate,” said Bennie Soto, product marketing manager at Microsoft. “It provides a free, easy and fun way to stay connected and share the special moments in your life without thinking twice about time zones or busy schedules; you’ll never have to plan a specific time for video calling again.”

Go, Go LifeCam Gadget

The best way to experience Video Messages is with a LifeCam video messages gadget, available for people running Windows Vista and using a supported Microsoft LifeCam. By downloading the new gadget, LifeCam users can create, send and receive video messages from their desktop. They can even select six of their top friends who will always be visible in the video messages gadget ¾ just like storing top friends’ numbers on speed dial for easy access. This added convenience is a great benefit for LifeCam customers because the Video Messages controls are always available; they can just click on a friend’s image, record a video and hit send. A demo of the LifeCam video messages gadget in action is available at www.microsoft.com/hardware/digitalcommunication/videomessage.mspx.

Video Messages Web Site

Consumers also can easily use Video Messages through a Web site, which will work for any Windows Live customers. From the Web site, consumers can record a personal video message and enter the e-mail address of a friend or family member, who will receive a notification of the video via e-mail. Recipients who are also Windows Live customers can even respond with a video of their own.

“We are thrilled to have Video Messages expand the LifeCam products’ unique connection to Windows Live,” said Dharmesh Mehta, group product manager for Windows Live. “With more than 460 million Windows Live customers around the globe and the increased popularity in video communications, we are excited to be a part of this great solution for keeping people in touch.”

Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. With localized versions of most services available globally in 59 markets and 35 languages, Windows Live encompasses more than 20 services, including Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live OneCare Family Safety. Windows Live is available at www.windowslive.com.